illusion

illusion, delusion

noun ee-lü-ZYOHN Less Common

Usage Note

Illusion covers both a perceptual trick (illusion d'optique = optical illusion) and a false belief (se faire des illusions = to kid oneself). Perdre ses illusions means to become disillusioned. The verb illusionner is less common; désillusion ('disillusionment') is the frequent derivative.

Examples

"Il se fait des illusions sur ses chances."

Natural Translation

He is deluding himself about his chances.

Literal Translation

He is making illusions for himself about his chances.

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